NEW FOR 172
From supermini to supercar, they’re all here in our A-Z of what’s heading your way in the next few months, writes Geraldine Herbert
ALFA ROMEO
Alfa’s trump card this year has to be their stunning Giulia and now the Italians are setting their sights on the growing SUV market. The Stelvio, their first SUV, will compete directly with the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Jaguar F-Pace.
It will be available in both petrol and diesel engines with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. An eight-speed ZF automatic transmission will be standard. Irish pricing and specification will be announced in autumn 2017, with the first models due to land by November. Looking further ahead, a larger executive saloon to compete with the BMW 5 Series is expected in 2018.
AUDI
It’s another busy year for Audi with a number of new models joining the range in the next few months. August sees the arrival of the second-generation RS5 Coupé. Powered by a new twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with 444hp, prices are expected to start from €109,950. With 400hp, the new RS3 is the first A3 Saloon to wear an RS badge. Pricing will start from €69,550 and orders will be taken from September 2017. Elsewhere in the range, a new Q3 is expected and a 394hp TT RS. By the end of the year, a new A8 should be revealed.
BENTLEY
A replacement to the Bentley Continental GT is due later in the year but details have not been released yet.
BMW
For 172 the 1 Series hatchback along with the 2 Series coupé and convertible has been given a subtle interior and exterior upgrade. The 1 Series benefits from a higher quality interior, extended connectivity features and greater road presence. The new BMW M2 has also been updated, with LED headlights as standard and the 3 Series Saloon and Touring models will receive enhanced standard equipment and a new M Sport Shadow Edition, priced at €2,450 over the 316d SE or €110 over the 318d SE. Prices start from €43,530 OTR for a BMW 320i M Sport Shadow Edition. A 520i and 525d join the 5 Series range. Electric blue may be the i8’s signature hue but a limited edition frozen yellow colour option has been added to the range.
CITROEN
The French company’s big event for the summer will be the launch tomorrow of the C3 Aircross, their all-new compact SUV. It will arrive in Ireland in time for 181 sales and will be followed by the C5 Aircross in summer 2018.
DACIA
Dacia’s range gets a revamp for 172 with styling and trim upgrades and a new SE Summit versions of the Sandero, Stepway and Duster.
The New Logan MCV Stepway gets an adjusted ride height and a more rugged and stylish look. ‘Ireland’s most affordable SUV’ is likely to gain a larger sibling, the Dacia Grand Duster – a seven-seat SUV – in 2018.
DS
DS’s line-up remains unchanged for the rest of 2017, but continues to offer plenty of variety. The big news for 2018 is the arrival mid-year of the all new DS 7 Crossback. The new DS was French President Macron’s car of choice as he paraded down the Champs-Elysees to his inauguration.
FIAT
The Italian brand will leverage the heritage of its iconic Fiat 500 with a number of special editions, including a limited 60th Edition version, five of which are coming to the Irish market. The unique car will feature the Lounge Spec plus a host of extras including 16” Alloys with Gucci hub caps, 7” HD touchscreen radio with Bluetooth and sat-nav, and specific bicolour paint and roof colour. Prices are expected to be in the region of €22,450 when it arrives here in August. An all-new 500L goes on sale at the end of the year and while range and engine line up will remain the same, according to Fiat 40pc of the components are new. Prices are expected to start in the region of €20,695
An S Design theme 500X will be available late in the year in two limited edition looks, Urban and Offroad. A rival of the Peugeot 308 GT Line, Kia Cee’d GT Line, and Renault Megane GT Line comes in the form of the Tipo S Design. Arriving at the end of the year, it will be available as a hatchback only and will be powered by the 1.4 T-jet 120hp petrol engine or the 1.6 M-Jet 120hp diesel engine.
FORD
Big news for Ford comes in small packages, with the launch of the new Fiesta. Due here later this summer, there will be a choice of three engines: 1.1-litre petrol; 1.0-litre 70/85PS petrol Ecoboost 100PS; and 1.5-litre TDCi diesel 85PS. Prices have not been released but we expect the starting price to reflect a small increase on the current model price of €16,500. The new 1.1-litre petrol 70PS is expected to be the biggest seller and promises to deliver 17pc better fuel economy than the current top seller, the 1.25-litre petrol 60PS. Looking ahead to 2018, we expect the Ford Focus to receive a major update.
HONDA
This year saw the arrival of the 10th generation Civic, and due here next spring is the blisteringly quick Type R version. A new improved CR-V is likely later in the year and promises to bring even more sophistication to the SUV market.
HYUNDAI
Hyundai are preparing for the launch of the new small crossover Kona. Due to arrive in Ireland in October, it is based on the new i30 family hatch and is likely to rival the Nissan Juke and the Toyota C-HR. The i30 N is set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo with more than 260bhp.
JAGUAR
Following on from the success of the F-Pace, Jaguar’s SUV range is set to grow, with the addition of the smaller E-Pace at the end of the year. This Audi Q3 and BMW X1 rival is likely to be powered by the familiar four-cylinder diesels, but a diesel-electric hybrid may also be an option. With two electric motors, 400bhp and 700Nm of pure pulling power, Jaguar’s first all-electric car, the I-Pace will be revealed in late 2017 and will hit the road in 2018. A new XF Sportbrake will be unveiled next week and arrives in Ireland at the end of the year.
JEEP
Jeep will introduce its new compact SUV, the Compass, at the end of the year. Set to rival models including the VW Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson, the new Jeep will replace both the current Compass and Patriot. Irish pricing and specification will be announced ahead of the official launch at the end of 2017.
KIA
The SUV market is booming and shows no signs of slowing down. Kia is the latest brand to expand their SUV offerings and their new Stonic, which will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor show, is designed to compete with the likes of the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008. A new sports saloon, the Kia Stinger, will arrive in October, providing an alternative to the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.
LAND ROVER
The Range Rover Velar, the fourth SUV in the Range Rover family, will be launched in Ireland in August and looks set to be one of the most exciting cars of 2017. The new SUV-coupé slots between the Evoque and Range Rover Sport and competes with the Porsche Macan.
LEXUS
Arriving here in August, the new Lexus LC coupé comes with the choice of a new generation Multistage Hybrid powertrain or a snarling 5.0-litre V8 engine to provide fiendish acceleration. Final pricing is still to be announced but we expect prices for the hybrid to start around €120k. For the ultimate in pampering, Lexus’s flagship saloon, the LS, offers silky smooth performance and every conceivable luxury. Powering the LS is a new 3.5-litre Multistage Hybrid powertrain. Keen to make a bigger impact on the market, expect a significant price reduction on the new model to keep it more in line with competitors.
MASERATI
Due in September is the petrol version of the marque’s first SUV, the Levante, which will pump 424hp from the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6.
MAZDA
Due here this month, Mazda has introduced subtle styling changes and interior upgrades to freshen up its best-selling SUV, the CX-5. Changes are small but significant.
MERCEDES-BENZ
The marque’s new CLS Shooting Brake and a new E-Class Cabriolet come to market this autumn. The company’s class-leading executive car, the S-class, has been revamped just in time for next year, which looks to be another busy one — a new CLS is expected in spring along with a facelifted C-Class mid-year.
MINI
Big news from the small-car brand is the first MINI plugin hybrid model, the Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 goes on sale this month. At the other end of the scale, the new John Cooper Works Countryman joins the range. With an output of 231hp, the new MINI sprints from 0-100kph in 6.5 seconds and is priced at €50,440. From July 2017, all new MINI models will feature an enhanced cockpit instruments with a new night design and a fuel-level display that offers greater precision.
MITSUBISHI
The exciting shape of things to come from Mitsubishi has been revealed — a new mid-sized SUV, the Eclipse Cross. This C-segment SUV will sit between the compact ASX crossover and the big seven-seater Outlander in the Mitsubishi line-up. Powering the Eclipse Cross is a new 1.5-litre direct injection turbo-charged petrol engine, while an updated 2.2 diesel engine will join the range later. The Eclipse Cross is due to go on sale in Ireland early in 2018.
NISSAN
A new Micra has just been launched with a choice of three engines — 0.9-litre petrol turbo, 1.0-litre petrol and 1.5 diesel — and prices start from €16,650. The Qashqai has received a facelift and now sports a new exterior design, higher levels of interior quality and improved driving performance. The new Qashqai will be available from dealerships around the middle of July. The X-Trail has also received a facelift, gaining a subtle new look, new options and equipment in the cabin, plus new technology. It will go on sale this August. A new Nissan Leaf is coming in 2018. Few details of this car have
been announced so far but Renault’s Zoe, with a 400 km NEDC range, will surely be the benchmark.
OPEL
Opel is set to rival the Peugeot 2008, Suzuki Vitara, Renault Captur and Nissan Juke with its new Crossland X. It has just arrived at dealerships and prices for the new compact SUV start at €21,995. Powering the range is a 1.2-litre (82PS) five-speed manual petrol or 1.2-litre (110PS) turbo sixspeed auto. Diesel options include 1.6 (99PS) turbo ecoTEC five-speed manual and a 1.6 (120PS) turbo sixspeed. We expect the larger Grandland X to arrive at the end of the year.
PEUGEOT
A new generation of the 5008 SUV will arrive in Ireland in July and prices will be announced later this month. It will be equipped with a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol 130bhp (manual and automatic), a BlueHDi diesel 1.6-litre 100bhp/120bhp (manual and automatic), a 2.0-litre 150bhp and a 180bhp automatic. It will feature the same iCockpit as the new 3008. Peugeot has given its popular 308 a mild makeover for the start of 2018. Arriving in dealerships at the end of 2017, it offers revised styling and a new engine range. A new Combo passenger car version of the Expert Van, with up to nine seats in both compact and standard lengths, will also be launched. It can be specified with five or six seats and prices start from €31,575.
PORSCHE
New for Porsche is the 911 GT3 with a manual gearbox. A more spacious Panamera — the Sport Turismo — joins the range with five seats and an 20 litres more boot space. Ticking the environmental box, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is due in July.
RENAULT
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2016, the Koleos is Renault’s new flagship model, sitting above the Kadjar in their line-up. It promises to offer the rugged capability of an SUV with the elegant refinement of a large executive saloon. It will be available with 4x4i four-wheel-drive technology and offered in a six-version, high-end line-up based on two trim levels that will be familiar to Renault owners — Dynamique S Nav and Signature Nav. The dCi 130 engine is available on both trim levels with a six-speed manual transmission and two-wheel drive. The dCi 175 engine is available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed Auto X-Tronic transmission — both with ALL-MODE 4x4i four-wheel drive. Pricing of the new Koleos will be announced in early July. A new refreshed Captur has also joined the range along with a new and improved all-electric Zoe.
SEAT
SEAT’s compact SUV, the Ateca, gains some new engines: 1.0TSI 115hp Eco; 1.6TDI 115hp Eco; 1.4TSI 150hp DSG and 2.0TSI 190hp DSG 4Drive and a new FR trim line. The fifth generation of the all-new SEAT Ibiza arrives later this month and prices start from €14,995. A new Renault Captur, Opel Mokka, Peugeot 2008 rival, the Arona will be launched at the end of the year.
SKODA
July sees the arrival of a facelifted Rapid. The main changes include redesigned exterior lighting clusters and interior instruments. A host of connectivity and driver assistance features will also become available on the Rapid Facelift for the first time. Skoda’s 1.0TSI engine will make its debut in the Rapid facelift in July also. The Citigo also receives some exterior design enhancements, including their signature power dome on the front bonnet which appears on Citigo for the first time. The fastest production RS yet, the Octavia RS 245, will launch in July. Pricing and specification will be announced in the coming weeks. Skoda’s new compact SUV Karoq will arrive at the end of the year in time for 181 sales. The Yeti replacement will be the first Skoda to have a digital instrument panel similar to Audi’s virtual cockpit. Engine options are likely to include a 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder petrol (113bhp) and a 1.6-litre TDI (113bhp) and a 2.0-litre TDI (148bhp and 186bhp). There will be two- and fourwheel-drive versions.
SSANGYONG
New for Ssangyong is the arrival of a refreshed Korando in dealerships next month. The ES model will now come with rear parking sensors, roof rails and rear spoiler. At the end of the year a new Rexton will arrive in time for 181 sales. The five-seat SUV will be powered by a 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre turbo petrol.
SUBARU
After a relatively quiet start to the year, a new XV and Impreza and a revised Forester are expected by the end of 2017.
SUZUKI
Suzuki’s been busy in recent months, having introduced the Swift and Ignis, and the remaining months this year are quieter with no new models planned.
TOYOTA
A revamped Yaris offers sharper looks, new grade and a much improved interior. The Auris range gains a new grade, called Luna Sport, that includes black roof, alloys, privacy glass and alcantara trim, from €24,950. The fuel-sipping plug-in Prius hybrid goes on sale from July 1, priced from €37,125 (which includes the SEAI and VRT rebates).
VOLKSWAGEN
Volkswagen is pushing upmarket again with a new flagship model, the Arteon. Revealed at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, it will go on sale in Ireland this July. The new executive five-door is likely to be priced in the region of €45,000. November sees the arrival of three new models. The sixth-generation Polo will launch with a new platform and revamped 1.0-litre engines. A larger version of the Volkswagen Tiguan midsized SUV, called the Tiguan Allspace, will also join the range. Finally, the launch of Volkswagen’s smallest and quirkiest SUV, T-roc, will finish a busy year for the German car maker.
VOLVO
Volvo is just about to launch its new XC60, which will be powered by three engines: the D4 2.0-litre diesel (190bhp), D5 (232hp) 2.0-litre diesel and the plug-in petrol hybrid T8 (407hp). All feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and allwheel-drive as standard and promise loads of punch with plenty of economy. Next year a 2WD (front-wheel-drive) will join the range. Prices will start from €53,950 for the D4 diesel AWD; the D5 costs from €59,950; and the petrol plug-in T8 from €65,140 (after SEAI grant and VRT rebate). There will be an XC40 revealed by the end of the year but won’t arrive in Ireland until 2018.